[Image: A person removing a drawer from a cabinet.]
Drawer slides are a common feature in homes and offices, as they make it easy to open and drawers without having to exert much force. However, when it comes time to remove a soft close drawer, things can get a little more complicated. The good news is that with the right tools and a little bit of patience, you can remove a soft close drawer without damaging it or the cabinet.
Tip: Before you start, be sure to read the instructions that came with your soft close drawer slides. This will help you to identify the specific type of slides that you have and will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to remove them.
Gather your tools. You will need a screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and a hammer. You may also need a putty knife or a thin pry bar to help you to remove the drawer.
Safety Precautions
Before attempting to remove soft-close drawers, it is crucial to take the necessary safety precautions to prevent injury or damage. Here are some essential steps to follow:
- Turn off Electricity: Ensure the power supply to the drawers is disconnected by switching off the circuit breaker or removing the fuse at the electrical panel. This step is vital to prevent electrical shock when working on the drawers.
- Secure the Drawer: Once the power is turned off, secure the drawer in place to prevent it from falling out when detached. Use a clamp or a piece of wood to prop up the drawer and keep it stable.
- Wear Safety Gear: Always wear appropriate safety gear when working with tools. This includes eye protection (safety glasses or goggles), gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges, and a dust mask if there is any dust or debris present.
Identifying Different Drawer Removal Mechanisms
2. Push-to-Open and Soft-Close Mechanisms
Push-to-open mechanisms rely on a latch that engages with a strike plate when the drawer is closed. When the user applies outward pressure to the front of the drawer, the latch releases, allowing the drawer to be opened without the need for handles or pulls.
Soft-close mechanisms, on the other hand, incorporate a hydraulic or mechanical system that controls the speed at which the drawer closes. When the drawer is released, the system slows down its movement, preventing it from slamming shut. Soft-close mechanisms offer a combination of convenience and safety, as they eliminate the risk of pinched fingers and loud noises.
Types of Push-to-Open and Soft-Close Systems
There are various types of push-to-open and soft-close systems available, each with its own unique features and installation requirements:
| Mechanism Type | Operation |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Push-to-Open | Uses a spring or lever to release the latch. |
| Electronic Push-to-Open | Employs sensors and motors to detect touch and open the drawer. |
| Hydraulic Soft-Close | Incorporates a hydraulic damper to slow down the drawer’s movement. |
| Magnetic Soft-Close | Uses magnets to generate resistance and control the drawer’s speed. |
Removing Drawers with Bottom Release Latches
Soft-close drawers are a convenient feature that can reduce noise and prevent drawers from slamming shut. However, if you need to remove a soft-close drawer, it can be a bit more challenging than removing a regular drawer. Bottom release latches are one of the most common types of latches used on soft-close drawers.
Locate the release latches on the bottom of the drawer. There may be one latch on each side of the drawer, or there may be one latch in the center.
Press the release latches inward and simultaneously pull the drawer straight out. If the drawer does not come out easily, try pressing the release latches again and pulling harder.
Once the drawer is removed, you can disconnect the soft-close mechanism. This is usually done by removing a screw or clip that holds the mechanism in place.
With the soft-close mechanism disconnected, you can now remove the drawer completely from the cabinet.
| Drawer Lock Mechanism | Removal Method |
|---|---|
| Push Button Lock | Hold drawer while pushing release button located near front of drawer. |
| Lever Lock | Hold drawer while moving lever to open position, usually located on the bottom of the cabinet. |
| Bottom Release Latch | Hold drawer while pushing release latches at the bottom of the drawer. |
| Side Release Latch | Hold drawer while pulling release latches located on the sides of the drawer. |
Removing Drawers with Side Mount Release Levers
Side mount release levers are typically found on drawers that are mounted on the side of the cabinet. To remove these drawers, follow these steps:
- Locate the release levers on the sides of the drawer.
- Squeeze the release levers and pull the drawer straight out of the cabinet.
If the drawers are difficult to remove, you may need to use a screwdriver to gently pry the release levers open. Once the drawers are removed, you can clean them or replace them as needed.
Additional Tips for Removing Drawers with Side Mount Release Levers
* If the drawers are stuck, gently tap them with a rubber mallet or use a pry bar to carefully loosen them.
* Be careful not to damage the release levers when removing the drawers.
* If you are replacing the drawers, make sure that the new drawers are the same size and type as the old drawers.
* Here is a table summarizing the steps for removing drawers with side mount release levers:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the release levers on the sides of the drawer. |
| 2 | Squeeze the release levers and pull the drawer straight out of the cabinet. |
| 3 | If the drawers are difficult to remove, you may need to use a screwdriver to gently pry the release levers open. |
Removing Drawers with Push-to-Open Release Buttons
Push-to-open release buttons are a common feature on soft-close drawers. Here’s how to remove drawers with these buttons:
- Locate the release buttons: The release buttons are typically located on the sides of the drawer, near the front edge.
- Press the release buttons: Use your thumbs to press both release buttons simultaneously.
- Slide the drawer forward: Hold the buttons pressed and slide the drawer forward until it comes free.
- Lift the drawer up: Once the drawer is free, lift it up to remove it from the cabinet.
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Additional steps for drawers with dampeners or detents: Some drawers may have dampeners or detents that prevent them from being removed easily. To remove these drawers:
Dampener Type Removal Instructions Gas-filled damper Press the damper with your fingers to compress it, then slide the drawer forward. Friction damper Gently rock the drawer forward and back until it loosens, then slide the drawer forward. Detent mechanism Pull the drawer out until it stops at the detent, then press the release buttons to fully remove the drawer.
Troubleshooting Stuck Drawers
If your soft close drawers are stuck, there may be several potential causes. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the issue:
1. Alignment: Check if the drawers are properly aligned with the cabinet frame. Misalignment can put strain on the hardware and prevent the drawers from opening or closing smoothly.
2. Debris: Inspect the drawer slides and tracks for any debris, such as dust, dirt, or crumbs. Debris can accumulate over time and cause friction, hindering the drawer’s movement.
3. Loose Hardware: Ensure that all the screws and other hardware components are tightened securely. Loose screws can allow the slides to shift, affecting the drawers’ performance.
4. Damaged Hardware: Examine the slides, rails, and other hardware for any signs of damage. Broken or bent components can prevent the drawers from operating correctly.
5. Overloaded Drawers: Check if the drawers are overloaded. Excessive weight can put strain on the hardware and make it difficult to open or close the drawers.
6. Obstructions: Inspect the drawer’s path for any obstructions, such as objects that have fallen behind the drawer or misaligned drawer fronts. Obstructions can physically block the drawer’s movement.
Table: Troubleshooting Stuck Drawers
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Drawer won’t open | Alignment, debris, loose hardware | Check alignment, clean debris, tighten hardware |
| Drawer won’t close | Debris, overloaded drawer, obstructions | Clean debris, reduce weight, remove obstructions |
| Drawer feels sticky | Damaged hardware, alignment | Replace damaged components, check alignment |
Replacing Soft-Close Hinges
To change out soft-close cupboard hinges, begin by removing the door. You can then undo the screws that hold the hinge to the cabinet frame and the door. When removing the hinge from the door, be mindful of any wiring associated with the soft-close system.
To detach the wiring harness from the old hinge, use wire cutters or pliers to trim the wires. Then, reconnect the terminals on the new hinge by pushing them into place. Prior to installing the new hinge, be sure to test the soft-close mechanism to verify its functionality.
Once the new hinge is in place, reassemble the door and cabinet by attaching the screws that were removed earlier. Ensure that the door is level and that the soft-close mechanism operates correctly.
Opening and Closing Force Adjustment
The opening and closing force of soft-close hinges can be modified to suit your preferences. Use the following steps to make these adjustments:
- Locate the adjustment screw on the hinge.
- Use a screwdriver to turn the adjustment screw clockwise to increase the closing force.
- Turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise to lessen the closing force.
- Test the adjustment by opening and closing the door to ensure it operates as desired.
Adjustment Screw Placement
The adjustment screw’s positioning can differ based on the hinge model. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for its precise location.
The table provides additional guidance on the typical positioning of adjustment screws on soft-close hinges:
| Hinge Type | Adjustment Screw Location |
|---|---|
| Inset Hinge | Inside the hinge cup |
| Overlay Hinge | Arm of the hinge |
| Half-Overlay Hinge | Base of the hinge |
Lubricating Drawer Runners
Drawer runners are the mechanisms that allow drawers to slide in and out smoothly. They are usually made of metal and are coated with a thin layer of lubricant to reduce friction. Over time, this lubricant can wear off, causing the drawers to become stiff or difficult to open. Lubricating the drawer runners is a simple task that can be easily done at home with a few basic tools.
Gather your tools and materials:
Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:
| Screwdriver | Pliers | WD-40 or similar lubricant |
Once you have all of your tools and materials, you are ready to begin lubricating the drawer runners.
Step 1: Remove the drawer from the cabinet
To remove the drawer, first open it all the way. Then, locate the screws on the sides of the drawer that attach it to the cabinet. Using a screwdriver, remove these screws and carefully lift the drawer out of the cabinet.
Step 2: Locate the drawer runners
The drawer runners will be located on the sides of the drawer. They are usually made of metal and are coated with a thin layer of lubricant.
Step 3: Apply lubricant to the drawer runners
Apply a small amount of WD-40 or similar lubricant to the drawer runners. Use a rag or a brush to spread the lubricant evenly over the entire surface of the runners.
Step 4: Reinstall the drawer
Once you have lubricated the drawer runners, carefully lift the drawer back into the cabinet. Align the drawer with the cabinet opening and insert the screws into the sides of the drawer. Tighten the screws using a screwdriver.
Step 5: Test the drawer
Once the drawer is reinstalled, open and close it several times to test the smoothness of the operation. If the drawer is still stiff or difficult to open, you may need to adjust the tension on the drawer runners.
Reinstalling Drawers
After removing the drawer glides, you can reinstall the drawers. To do this, follow these steps:
- Hold the drawer square in front of the cabinet opening, holding it about 6 inches from the opening.
- Tilt the drawer slightly downward and insert it at a slight angle into the opening.
- As the back of the drawer enters, tip the drawer upward slightly so that the glides enter their tracks.
- Push the drawer into the opening until it stops.
- If the drawer is not sliding in smoothly, adjust the glides slightly.
- Repeat steps 2-5 for each drawer.
Once the drawers are reinstalled, test them to make sure they are operating properly. Open and close them several times to check for any sticking or binding.
If you encounter any problems reinstalling the drawers, consult the instruction manual that came with the soft-close drawer system or contact the manufacturer for assistance.
Resetting Soft-Close Mechanisms
If your soft-close drawers are not functioning properly, you may need to reset the mechanisms. Here are the steps on how to do it:
- Open the drawer fully.
- Locate the small button or lever on the side of the drawer, usually near the back.
- Press and hold the button or lever while closing the drawer slowly and gently.
- Release the button or lever once the drawer is fully closed.
- Repeat steps 1-4 for each drawer that is having issues.
Once you have reset the soft-close mechanisms, they should be working properly again.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips for resetting soft-close drawers:
- If you are unable to find the button or lever, consult the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Be sure to press and hold the button or lever while closing the drawer slowly and gently. If you press it too quickly, the mechanism may not reset properly.
- If you have tried resetting the soft-close mechanisms and they are still not working properly, you may need to replace them. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for more information.
| Drawer Type | Reset Button Location |
|---|---|
| Full-extension Drawer | Inside the drawer, near the back |
| Under-mount Drawer | On the side of the drawer, near the bottom |
| Inset Drawer | On the top of the drawer, near the front |
By following these steps, you should be able to reset the soft-close mechanisms on your drawers and get them working properly again.
How To Remove Soft Close Drawers
Removing soft close drawers can be a bit tricky, but it’s not impossible. Here are the steps on how to do it:
- Open the drawer and locate the release lever.
- Push the release lever up or down (depending on the model of your drawer) and pull the drawer straight out.
- If the drawer is stuck, you may need to use a little bit of force. Be careful not to damage the drawer or the cabinet.
People Also Ask
How do I remove soft close drawers from a kitchen cabinet?
To remove soft close drawers from a kitchen cabinet, follow the steps outlined above.
How do I remove soft close drawers from a bathroom vanity?
To remove soft close drawers from a bathroom vanity, follow the steps outlined above.
How do I remove soft close drawers from a dresser?
To remove soft close drawers from a dresser, follow the steps outlined above.
How do I remove soft close drawers without the release lever?
If your soft close drawers do not have a release lever, you can try to remove them by pulling them straight out. Be careful not to damage the drawer or the cabinet.
